U.S. patent application number 14/567976 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-25 for filter housing and filter assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is MANN+HUMMEL GMBH. Invention is credited to Michael Kaufmann, Karlheinz Muenkel, Klaus-Dieter Ruhland, Manfred Winter.
Application Number | 20150176544 14/567976 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53192574 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150176544 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kaufmann; Michael ; et
al. |
June 25, 2015 |
Filter Housing and Filter Assembly
Abstract
A filter housing for receiving a filter element is provided with
a first housing part having a first housing opening and a second
housing opening. A second housing part is connected to the first
housing part. A first connecting socket is arranged at the first
housing opening of the first housing part. A second connecting
socket is arranged at the second housing opening of the first
housing part. A receiving space is provided in an interior of the
filter housing between the first and second housing openings,
wherein the receiving space accommodates the filter element.
Inventors: |
Kaufmann; Michael;
(Meckenheim, DE) ; Ruhland; Klaus-Dieter;
(Meckenheim, DE) ; Muenkel; Karlheinz;
(Oberderdingen-Flehingen, DE) ; Winter; Manfred;
(Bad Rappenau, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MANN+HUMMEL GMBH |
Ludwigsburg |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
53192574 |
Appl. No.: |
14/567976 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
55/425 ;
55/478 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 46/0023 20130101;
F02M 35/0216 20130101; B01D 46/0002 20130101; B01D 46/0045
20130101; B01D 2265/021 20130101; B01D 46/0005 20130101; B01D 45/12
20130101; F02M 35/02416 20130101; B01D 50/002 20130101; F02M
35/0214 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F02M 35/024 20060101
F02M035/024; B01D 45/12 20060101 B01D045/12; B01D 46/00 20060101
B01D046/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 12, 2013 |
DE |
10 2013 020 540.9 |
Claims
1. A filter housing for receiving a filter element, the filter
housing comprising: a first housing part comprising a first housing
opening and a second housing opening; a second housing part
connected to the first housing part; a first connecting socket
arranged at the first housing opening of the first housing part; a
second connecting socket arranged at the second housing opening of
the first housing part; a receiving space provided in an interior
of the filter housing between the first and second housing
openings, wherein the receiving space is configured to receive the
filter element.
2. The filter housing according to claim 1, wherein one of the
first and second housing openings or one of the first and second
connecting sockets is arranged so as to be located at least
partially outside of an area defined by projecting the filter
element in a direction of a longitudinal direction of the filter
element; wherein one of the first and second housing openings or
one of the first and second connecting sockets is arranged so as to
be located at least partially outside of an area defined by
laterally projecting the filter element.
3. The filter housing according to claim 1, wherein the first
housing part is configured such that the filter element, from an
inserted position in the filter housing, is guided completely along
a central longitudinal direction of the filter element when
removing the filter element out of the receiving area of the filter
housing.
4. The filter housing according to claim 1, wherein the first
connecting socket has a first preferred direction pointing away
from the first housing opening and the second connecting socket has
a second preferred direction pointing away from the second housing
opening; wherein the first and second preferred directions are
positioned at an angle of less than 180.degree. relative to each
other.
5. The filter housing according to claim 3, wherein the first and
second preferred directions are substantially pointing in the same
direction.
6. The filter housing according to claim 1, wherein at least one of
the first and second connecting sockets comprises reinforcement
elements arranged on an interior of the connecting socket, the
reinforcement elements selected from the group consisting of
reinforcement ribs, metal inserts, metal-reinforced sections,
fiberglass-reinforced sections, and reinforcement inserts.
7. The filter housing according to claim 1, further comprising flow
guiding elements mounted in or on at least one of the first and
second connecting sockets.
8. The filter housing according to claim 1, wherein the second
housing part further comprises a third housing opening that aligns
with and abuts with the first housing opening of the first housing
part.
9. The filter housing according to claim 1, comprising a sealing
plane separating a raw fluid area from a clean fluid area of an
interior of the filter housing; wherein at least one of the first
and second housing parts comprises positioning elements arranged in
an area where the sealing plane is located and configured to
position the filter element in the filter housing.
10. The filter housing according to claim 1, wherein the filter
element comprises a filter body and a holding frame
circumferentially extending about the filter body at an inflow side
of the filter element; wherein the filter element is integrated
into the first housing part or the second housing part and the
holding frame is a component of the first housing part or the
second housing part into which the filter element is
integrated.
11. The filter housing according to claim 1, wherein the filter
element comprises a support section and wherein at least one of the
first housing part and the second housing part comprises a support
element configured to engage the support section of the filter
element; wherein the support element is secured to and extends
inwardly away from a housing wall of the at least one of the first
housing part and the second housing part in a longitudinal
direction of the filter element toward an outflow side of the
filter element.
12. The filter housing according to claim 1, wherein the filter
housing is configured to be coupled with at least one filter
device; wherein the filter device is a preseparating device mounted
in or on one of the first and second connecting sockets or mounted
in or on one of the first and second housing parts.
13. The filter housing according to claim 1, further comprising a
third housing part arranged between the first and second housing
parts and configured to receive a filter device.
14. A filter assembly comprising: a filter housing comprising: a
first housing part comprising a first housing opening and a second
housing opening; a second housing part connected to the first
housing part; a first connecting socket arranged at the first
housing opening of the first housing part; a second connecting
socket arranged at the second housing opening of the first housing
part; a receiving space provided in an interior of the filter
housing between the first and second housing openings, wherein the
receiving space is configured to receive the filter element. a main
filter element mounted in the receiving space of the filter housing
and separating a raw fluid area from a clean fluid area in the
filter housing.
15. The filter assembly according to claim 14, wherein the main
filter element is detachably fastened to the second housing part of
the filter housing.
16. The filter assembly according to claim 14, further comprising a
preseparating device arranged upstream of the main filter element;
wherein the preseparating device is arranged externally and
laterally on the filter housing; wherein the preseparating device
comprises at least one centrifugal separator.
17. The filter assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first
housing part of the filter housing comprises a third housing
opening and a third connecting socket arranged on the third housing
opening, wherein the third housing socket is a dust discharge.
18. The filter assembly according to claim 14, wherein the filter
housing comprises at least one support element and the main filter
element comprises a support section configured to interact with the
support element.
19. The filter assembly according to claim 14, wherein the filter
housing comprises a sealing plane where the raw fluid area and the
clean fluid area are separated from each other in an interior of
the filter housing; wherein the filter housing comprises
positioning elements in an area where the sealing plane is located;
and wherein the main filter element comprises positioning sections
interacting with the positioning elements.
20. The filter assembly according to claim 14, wherein the main
filter element has an inflow face and an outflow face, wherein the
inflow face is slanted relative to the outflow face.
21. The filter assembly according to claim 14, further comprising a
cylindrical preseparator extending from the first connecting socket
or the second connecting sockets into the interior of the filter
housing; wherein the main filter element comprises a filter body
provided with a cutout; wherein the cylindrical preseparator is
accommodated at least partially within the cutout.
22. The filter assembly according to claim 14, further comprising a
secondary filter element, wherein the main filter element comprises
a filter body provided with a cutout and wherein the secondary
filter element is accommodated at least partially in the cutout;
wherein the secondary filter element arranged downstream of the
main filter element.
23. The filter assembly according to claim 22, wherein the main
filter element and the secondary filter element are fastened to
each other.
24. The filter assembly according to claim 22, further comprising a
sealing element sealing fluid-tightly the secondary filter element
relative to an inner housing wall of the filter housing; wherein
the sealing element is compressed between a rim of an outflow side
of the main filter element and the secondary filter element.
25. The filter assembly according to claim 24, wherein the sealing
element comprises a foam seal.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention concerns a filter housing and a filter
assembly, in particular an air filter housing and an air filter
assembly.
[0002] Air filters are used, for example, as intake air filters for
motor vehicles so that dirt particles are removed from the
combustion air for the respective motor. In this context. it is
desirable to provide air filters and their housing in a
space-saving way in or on the vehicle. Filtration is carried out
generally by filter elements that comprise suitable filter media
and that are flowed through by the combustion air to be
purified.
[0003] Air filter elements are generally secured in two-part
housings of a cover element and a housing bottom part each provided
with a connecting socket for clean air or raw air. The filter
element is then provided laterally sealed on the housing between
the connecting sockets and is flowed through by the air.
WO2006/012386 discloses such filter assemblies. Removal and
optionally an exchange of the air filter element out of and into
the housing is realized in this context along the flow-through
direction of the air.
[0004] EP 2 024 631 B1 discloses an air filter housing with a
housing bottom part and a cover element wherein an air filter
element is insertable with a significant portion of its length into
the housing bottom part. On the housing bottom part, a deflecting
connecting socket for the side of the air filter element that is
facing the cover element is provided wherein the deflecting
connecting socket is integrally formed on a collar of the housing
bottom part. In this context, the deflecting connecting socket is
provided on the housing bottom part outside of the cross-section
covered laterally by the air filter element.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In view of this background, the present invention has the
object to provide an improved filter housing and/or an improved
filter assembly.
[0006] Accordingly, a filter housing is provided which is suitable
for receiving a filter element. The filter housing comprises a
first housing part and a second housing part as well as at least
two connecting sockets which are each arranged on a housing opening
of the first housing part. In this context, the filter element is
secured in the filter housing in a space between the two housing
openings.
[0007] The two connecting sockets which can be used as inlet and
outlet for the filter housing are provided on only one housing
part. In this way, it is possible to perform a filter element
exchange without having to remove supply lines on the connecting
sockets. For example, upon exchange of the filter element only the
second housing part is removed from the filter housing so that the
filter element is removable. The first housing part can be a
housing bottom part and the second housing part a cover
element.
[0008] The filter housing is in particular an air filter housing
for receiving an air filter element for filtration of combustion
air for an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle. The
housing serves preferably for use in tight space conditions, for
example, in the engine compartment of automobiles but also in or on
commercial vehicles.
[0009] In embodiments, one of the housing openings of the first
housing part and/or one of the connecting sockets is arranged at
least partially outside of a projection of the filter element along
its longitudinal direction.
[0010] The provided flow-through direction of the fluid to be
purified can be understood as longitudinal direction. For example,
the longitudinal direction of the filter element or also of the
filter housing can be considered to extend along the pressure
difference or the pressure drop of the fluid or of the air upon
flow-through. It can be said that the filter element is flowed
through along its longitudinal direction and extends transversely
thereto. The filter element thus has a cross-sectional surface
area, for example, at its inflow side and outflow side. When now at
the inflow side the cross-sectional surface area of the filter
element is extended in the direction toward the housing, at least
one connecting socket or a correlated housing opening is outside of
this projection.
[0011] Moreover, the filter housing can be configured such that one
of the housing openings of the first housing part and/or one of the
connecting sockets is arranged at least partially outside of a
lateral projection of the filter element. It can be said that the
housing openings generally are not provided on the housing at
locations where the filter element extends longitudinally.
[0012] In embodiments, the first housing part is configured such
that an inserted filter element is completely guidable along its
longitudinal direction out of a receiving area of the filter
housing. For example, the filter element can be removed along the
longitudinal direction from the housing. In this context,
preferably no impairment occurs by the housing parts that in
principle can be shaped irregularly. For example, the second
housing part or a cover element can be lifted directly off the
first housing part such that a space in accordance with the length
of the filter element becomes accessible.
[0013] In embodiments of the filter housing, the first connecting
socket and the second connecting socket each have a preferred
direction pointing away from the housing openings of the first
housing part. The preferred directions are positioned at an angle
of less than 180.degree. relative to each other. This means that
the preferred directions are not provided co-linear or axially
opposed on the housing parts.
[0014] Preferably, the preferred directions are positioned at an
angle of less than 90.degree. relative to each other. Particularly
preferred, the preferred directions are substantially pointing in
the same direction. For example, an angle range of less than
10.degree. at which the preferred directions are positioned
relative to each other is still to be understood as pointing in the
same direction. For example, the two connecting sockets point away
from the housing substantially in the same direction. Accordingly,
a hose connection can be extended to the socket particularly easily
and in a space-saving way.
[0015] In embodiments, at least one of the connecting sockets is
attached to the respective housing opening. The socket can be in
particular fused or glued on. Conceivable is also a
material-monolithic embodiment of connecting socket and housing
member. It is possible to provide one or the connecting sockets
with reinforcement elements, for example, reinforcement ribs, metal
inserts, metal-reinforced or fiberglass-reinforced sections and/or
reinforcement inserts. The stress caused by attaching or removing
supply or removal lines to or from the connecting sockets can lead
to material fatigue so that the reinforcement elements counteract
breakage.
[0016] In embodiments, on at least one connecting socket flow
guiding elements are attached. Flow guiding elements cause an
improved flow through the filter element provided within the filter
housing. The guiding elements can be, for example, baffle plates,
relief-like portions, winglets or the like in the connecting
socket.
[0017] In embodiments, the filter housing is produced by an
injection molding process.
[0018] In embodiments, the second housing part comprises a housing
opening which corresponds with one of the housing openings of the
first housing part. In this way, it is possible to stationarily
provide the two connecting sockets exclusively on the second
housing part. It is also possible to provide further housing
openings in the second housing part which correspond with housing
openings of the first housing part.
[0019] In embodiments, the first and/or the second housing part is
provided with positioning elements for the filter element in an
area of a sealing plane which separates a raw fluid area from a
clean fluid area. Positioning elements facilitate insertion of the
filter element that, for example, comprises corresponding cutouts
or projections for the positioning elements on the housing.
[0020] In embodiments, the filter element is integrated into the
first and/or second housing part. For example, a holding frame for
a filter body surrounding the inflow side of the filter element is
a component of the first or second housing part. By a fixed
connection between the housing part and the filter element in
particular at the raw air side, it can be avoided that filtered
particles pass into the further air intake manifold for clean air
when exchanging the filter element.
[0021] The filter housing may comprise in embodiments in particular
in or on the first or second housing part at least one support
element for engagement of a corresponding support section of the
filter element. The support element extends, for example, in the
direction toward an outflow side of the filter element and
counteracts bending of the filter body as a result of flow
resistance. The support element can be in particular elastically
deformable so that vibrations of the filter element can be reduced
or dampened.
[0022] A support element extends, for example, from a housing wall
in longitudinal direction toward an outflow side of the filter
element.
[0023] In embodiments, the filter element is designed so that it
can be coupled with at least one further filter device. The further
filter device can be, for example, a preseparation device in order
to achieve a coarse prefiltration.
[0024] In embodiments, the further filter device is designed in or
on one of the connecting sockets as a preseparation device. An
integration of the preseparation device in the connecting socket is
particularly space-saving. Due to the connecting sockets being
stationarily arranged after installation of the housing bottom
part, a preseparator can be provided beneficially and in a
space-saving way adjacent to the housing.
[0025] As an alternative or in addition, the filter housing can
comprise the further filter device as a preseparator which is
provided in or on one of the housing parts. It is in particular
conceivable that the filter housing comprises a third housing part
which is provided between the first and the second housing part.
The third housing part can be suitable for receiving the further
filter device, such as a preseparation device.
[0026] Moreover, a filter element, in particular an air filter
element, is proposed for use in an appropriate filter housing as
described above.
[0027] Moreover, a filter assembly is proposed comprising a filter
housing as afore described and a filter element which, in properly
mounted state, separates a raw fluid area from a clean fluid
area.
[0028] In this context, the filter element is fluid-tightly sealed,
for example, laterally relative to the housing wall.
[0029] In embodiments, the filter element is detachably attached to
the second housing part. In embodiments, the second housing part is
a removable cover element which is removable together with the
filter element from the first housing part as a housing bottom
part. In a flow guiding action in which raw fluid enters the second
housing part, flows through the filter element, and is blown out by
a connecting socket at the first housing part, it is prevented that
filtered dirt particles upon exchange can pass into the clean fluid
area. It is in particular conceivable that the first housing part
comprises a further housing opening and a further connecting socket
which is suitable as a dust discharge. It is advantageous that,
when opening the housing, the connecting sockets remain
substantially stationary and therefore connecting lines or hoses
can stay attached.
[0030] The filter assembly can be furnished furthermore with a
preseparation device that is arranged upstream of the filter
element. A preseparation device, for removal of coarse dirt
particles from the raw fluid, can be provided, for example, outside
of the filter housing. In particular, a lateral arrangement is
possible due to the positioning of the outer connecting
sockets.
[0031] In embodiments, the preseparation device comprises at least
one centrifugal separator. Centrifugal separators or cyclone
separators accelerate incoming fluid in a spiral shape such that,
as a result of the centrifugal forces, particles remain on the
exterior wall of the cyclone tube and, as a result of the force of
gravity, pass to a discharge window where they can be
discharged.
[0032] In embodiments of the filter assembly, the filter housing
comprises at least one support element and the filter element
comprises a support section corresponding with the support element.
Support elements extend from one housing wall in the direction
toward the filter element and stabilize, for example, the filter
medium being flowed through. By means of support elements,
vibrations that may be generated at the vehicle can be reduced.
[0033] In embodiments, the filter housing comprises positioning
elements for the filter element in an area of a sealing plane which
separates the raw fluid area from the clean fluid area. The filter
element then comprises positioning sections that correspond with
the positioning elements.
[0034] The positioning elements predetermine in particular contours
or shapes for certain areas of the filter element so that, on the
one hand, only the intended filter elements can be inserted into
the assembly and, on the other hand, a position that is beneficial
for filtration is achieved. Filter elements with positioning
sections, for example, cutouts or projections, that do not
correspond appropriately, then cannot be inserted into the filter
assembly. For example, closing of the filter housing is prevented
by faulty positioning of positioning elements and positioning
sections.
[0035] In embodiments of the filter assembly, the filter element
has a slanted inflow side relative to the outflow side. Often,
filter elements with a flat inflow side and a flat outflow side are
manufactured. Usually, the two sides extend parallel to each other.
By configuring the planes defined by the inflow side and outflow
side so as to be slanted relative to each other, the available
space in the filter housing can be used better. Accordingly, as a
whole, a greater filter surface area is provided. Moreover,
preseparating devices can be provided along or opposite to the
inflow side.
[0036] In embodiments of the filter assembly, the filter element
has a cutout on the filter body for receiving at least partially a
cylindrical preseparator which extends from one of the connecting
sockets into the interior of the filter housing.
[0037] In principle, the filter element can comprise a cutout in
the filter body for at least partially receiving a secondary filter
element and/or preseparator.
[0038] The filter element, for example, can comprise a cutout of
the filter body in which parts of the volume of a secondary filter
element is accommodated in the intended assembled state of the
filter assembly. Secondary filter elements serve to further improve
filtration and can be arranged downstream of the main filter
element.
[0039] Embodiments of the filter assembly provide that a secondary
filter element and the filter element are attached to each other.
With a detachable or non-detachable attachment, vibrations can be
reduced that may occur due to the additional filter element in the
housing. The main filter element and secondary filter element
correspond with regard to their geometry preferably such that a
well-defined positioning in the filter housing is realized.
[0040] In embodiments, the filter assembly has a sealing device
that seals fluid-tightly the secondary element laterally relative
to a housing wall. A sealing device or a sealing element can be
injection-molded, glued or attached in other ways to a housing
wall. The sealing device can also be arranged on the main filter
element or secondary filter element, for example, on a frame.
[0041] In embodiments, the sealing element is compressed between an
outflow-side rim of the filter element and the secondary filter
element. By compression, for example, of a flexible sealing
material, vibration damping is achieved. For example, the sealing
element or the sealing device is a foam seal.
[0042] Further possible implementations of the invention comprise
also combinations not explicitly mentioned of features or method
steps disclosed above or in the following with regard to the
embodiments. In this context, a person of skill in the art will
also add individual aspects as improvements or supplements to the
respective basic form of the filter housing or the filter
assembly.
[0043] Further embodiments of the invention are subject matter of
the dependent claims as well as of the embodiments of the invention
disclosed in the following. In the following, the invention will be
explained in more detail with the aid of embodiments with reference
to the attached Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] FIG. 1A shows a perspective illustration of an embodiment of
a filter housing in the assembled state.
[0045] FIG. 1B shows the perspective illustration of FIG. 1A but
with the lower housing part and upper housing part spaced
apart.
[0046] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the
filter assembly comprising a filter housing according to FIG.
1.
[0047] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a
filter element for a filter housing according to FIG. 2.
[0048] FIG. 4A shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a
filter assembly and FIG. 4B shows a schematic plan view.
[0049] FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of another embodiment
of a filter assembly.
[0050] FIG. 6A shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of
filter assembly; FIG. 6B shows an end view; and FIG. 6C shows a
filter element for use in the filter assembly.
[0051] FIG. 7A shows an end view of a filter assembly 105 with two
connecting sockets provided on the same side; FIG. 7B shows the
filter body of the filter element with cutout; and FIG. 7C shows
inserted preseparator in the filter element.
[0052] FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of a further
embodiment of a filter assembly.
[0053] FIG. 9 shows a schematic illustration of yet another
embodiment of a filter assembly.
[0054] FIG. 10 shows a schematic illustration of a variant of a
filter assembly.
[0055] FIG. 11 shows a filter assembly comprising three housing
parts.
[0056] In the drawings, same or functionally the same elements,
inasmuch as nothing to the contrary is indicated, are provided with
the same reference characters.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0057] FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of an embodiment of
a filter housing. FIG. 1A shows in this context the filter housing
1 in the assembled state and FIG. 1B shows the state in which the
two housing parts 2, 3 are apart. The filter housing 1 comprises in
this context a first lower housing part 2 and a second upper
housing part 3. The first housing part 2 can also be referred to as
housing bottom part and the upper housing part 3 as cover element.
In the following, both terms are being used. One can see in FIG. 1B
that a filter element 4, for example, an air filter, is inserted
into the lower housing part 2. A possible flow direction of the
fluid to be filtered is indicated at 16. Depending on the
connections of the filter housing, in the orientation of FIG. 1
fluid or air to be purified flows from top to bottom through the
filter element 4 and enters a clean air area.
[0058] The filter housing 1 has two connecting sockets 5, 6 that
adjoin openings 7, 8 of the first housing part 2 and project away
from the housing 1. The connecting sockets 5, 6 each determine a
preferred direction 23, 20 relative to the housing 1. The housing
bottom part 2 has a body section 9 which substantially surrounds
the shape of the filter element 4. The lower housing part 2 has
moreover a collar section 10 which in the orientation of FIG. 1
extends laterally upwardly and on which the second laterally
projecting connecting socket 6 is integrally formed. Below the body
section 9, the second connecting socket 5 projects at a slant away
from the housing bottom part 2.
[0059] The second housing part or the cover element 3 has a collar
section 14 which substantially corresponds with the collar section
10 of the housing bottom part 2. In the collar section 14, a
housing opening 15 is provided which corresponds with the housing
opening 8 on the housing bottom part 2. The second housing part 3
which is also referred to as cover element has moreover a cover
section 12 which in the assembled state forms a volume above the
filter element 4 for incoming air. In the area of the sealing plane
for the filter element 4, the housing bottom part 2 has a rim 17
extending circumferentially on the inner side. For example, a frame
of the filter element 4 can be positioned on the rim 17; this frame
is not illustrated here. The rim 17 is circumferentially extending
within the lower housing part 2. A lower rim 18 of the second
housing part 3 corresponds with the rim 17 of the first housing
part 2. In the area of the rims 17, 18 further sealing means can be
provided in order to provide a fluid-tight closure between the
housing 1 and the filter element 4. Projecting rims 11, 13 are
arranged on the collar section 10 as well as at the transition
between the collar section 14 and the cover section 12. As shown in
FIG. 1A, they extend on each other.
[0060] The two housing parts 2, 3 are secured by means of fastening
means 65 on each other. In FIG. 2, for example, detent hooks 65 are
indicated which engage, from the cover element 3, engagement
sections on the housing bottom part and clamp the two housing parts
2, 3 to each other. In this way, the corresponding frame of the
filter element (not illustrated here) is secured fixedly between
the rims 17, 18. As fastening means 65 also further implementations
are conceivable. For example, the housing parts can be connected by
means of screws with each other; also, snap hooks and clips can be
used. It is also possible that the housing parts 2, 3 in the rim
area are provided with threads or bayonet-like closures so that the
housing parts 2, 3 are coupled with each other when turned about
the longitudinal direction relative to each other. This is possible
in particular in case of housing shapes that have rotational
symmetry.
[0061] One can see that in particular the connecting socket 6 or
the openings 8, 15 upon projection of the filter element 4 along
the longitudinal direction 19 are positioned outside of the
projection volume. In this way, it is possible to remove the filter
element 4 in the longitudinal direction 19 completely out of the
housing bottom part 2 when the cover element 3 has been taken off.
The filter element 4 is geometrically arranged between the
connecting socket 5 or the opening 7 and the connecting socket 6 or
the opening 8, 15. Since the two connecting sockets 5, 6, which can
be used as inlet and outlet, are provided on one housing part 2, it
is not necessary to remove the lines or hoses guided on the
connecting sockets 5, 6 upon exchange or filter element
replacement. In this way, servicing of a corresponding filter
assembly is simplified. On the housing bottom part 2 fastening
projections 21 are provided which enable positioning of the filter
housing 1 at a suitable location. For the filter housing 1, after
attachment by means of the fastening projections 21, for example,
in or on a vehicle, stationary positions of the connecting sockets
5, 6 are possible relative to the car body or the motor. In this
context it is possible to provide a sprung attachment. Moreover,
reinforcement ribs 22 are provided in the body section 9 for
reinforcing the housing 1.
[0062] The housing parts 2, 3 and in particular the cover element 3
can be designed as disposable parts. An exchange is possible
without a supply line or discharge line having to be removed from
the connecting sockets 5, 6. It is further possible to integrate a
corresponding filter element in the cover element 3 and use it as
an individual disposable part.
[0063] In the following, further embodiments of filter housing and
filter assemblies are schematically illustrated. For reasons of
simplicity, the basic principle resides in a housing separation and
embodiment that, even when disconnecting the housing parts, enables
always a stationary arrangement of the at least two connecting
sockets. The embodiments disclosed in the following each comprise
individual aspects and modifications that can also be combined with
each other in other ways than explicitly explained with the aid of
the embodiments.
[0064] FIG. 2 shows schematically a filter assembly 100. Two
housing parts 2, 3 are provided which are inserted into each other
and are resting externally on the projecting rims 11, 13 on each
other. In the filter housing which is comprised of the second
housing parts 2, 3, a filter element 4 is inserted which is
positioned in a receiving area 24 of the lower housing part 2.
Laterally, a sealing action 29 relative to the housing wall is
realized. On the first housing part 2, the housing bottom part, a
first connecting socket 5, pointing to the left and downwardly, is
mounted on a housing opening 7 and an upper connecting socket 6,
substantially horizontally extending and pointing to the right, is
attached to a housing opening 8. The corresponding housing opening
15 in the second housing top part 3 is also illustrated.
[0065] The sealing action 29 between the filter element 4 and the
housing wall separates a raw air area 26 from a clean air area 25.
For example, air to be cleaned flows through the lateral connecting
socket 6 as an inlet into the filter housing, flows through the
filter element 4, enters the lower clean air area 25, and exits the
filter assembly 100 through the connecting socket 5. Accordingly,
an operation of the filter assembly 100 is possible in which the
lower area is a clean fluid area 25 and the upper area is a raw
fluid area 26. Likewise, a reverse flow direction can be
implemented. The filter element 4 has accordingly a planar inflow
side 28 and a planar outflow side 27 in the illustration of FIG. 2.
As a result of the flow resistance of the employed filter medium, a
different pressure within the raw air or raw fluid area 26 and the
lower clean air or clean fluid area 25 is generated. A pressure
difference of pressure p.sub.1 to pressure p.sub.2 results. This is
indicated to the left by .DELTA.p. Possible flow directions are
indicated at 16.
[0066] A length direction 19 of the filter assembly 100 and of the
filter element 4 results, for example, from the direction of
pressure drop between the raw air side 28 and the clean air side 27
wherein p.sub.2<p.sub.1. This direction is indicated with
dash-dotted line 19. As already explained in regard to FIG. 1A, in
FIG. 2 one can see that a projection of the filter element, i.e.,
the inflow or outflow side 28, 27 along the longitudinal axis 19,
does not reach at least one connecting socket 6 or the housing
openings 8, 15. The housing opening 8 is positioned here outside of
the area that is defined when projecting the surface of the inflow
side 28 in upward direction in the orientation of FIG. 2. Also,
laterally of the filter element 4, i. e., of the volume between the
inflow side 28 and the outflow side 27, none of the housing
openings 7, 8, 15 is provided.
[0067] The filter element provided in the filter assembly 100 can
be, for example, designed as a compact filter element with a filter
material that is wound about the longitudinal axis. Conceivable are
also folded, pleated filter media that are folded in a star shape
and have a single bellows or double bellows geometry. Basically,
all conceivable filter media and filter element configurations can
be used. Layered, stacked or wound, single-layer or multi-layer
flat filter media are to be mentioned only in an exemplary fashion.
Likewise, foamed filter media can be used.
[0068] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a filter element 4 which is
suitable for use in the here illustrated filter assemblies. The
filter element comprises a filter body 30 which is manufactured of
a suitable filter medium and has suitable retaining properties for
dirt for the respective target application. The filter element 4
comprises an inflow side 28 and an outflow side 27 that each form
substantially a planar surface. In variants also non-planar curved
inflow or outflow sides 28, 27 are conceivable. A frame 32 is
provided that circumferentially surrounds the inflow side 28 and,
for example, is manufactured of plastic material and imparts
stability to the filter element. At the outflow side, a
circumferentially surrounding frame 31 can also be provided for
holding the filter medium 30.
[0069] In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, at the upper holding
frame a sealing element 34 is circumferentially applied which acts
fluid-tightly relative to the housing wall in the inserted state.
At the inflow side, on the holding frame 32 a removal aid 33 is
provided. The removal aid enables handling of the filter element 4,
in particular pulling out the filter element 4 installed in the
housing along the longitudinal axis 19. The removal aid can have,
for example, a flow-guiding action in the manner of a deflection or
guiding means. For this purpose, for example, along the
longitudinal axis, plastic parts with openings are projecting with
which the filter element 4 can be gripped.
[0070] It is possible that an appropriate grip corresponding to the
removal aid 33 or a tool is attached to the second housing part 3.
For example, the cover element 3 can comprise on the exterior side
an engagement section which is insertable into the removal section
33. In this context, in particular a locking action can occur that
makes it possible to pull the filter element 4 out of the lower
housing part 2 by means of the cover element 3.
[0071] Embodiments of the filter element provide that a removal
grip is fastened detachably in or on the filter element 4. A
removal grip for a corresponding interaction with the removal aid
or the removal element 33 can also be attached or glued in or on
the filter element on the filter body 30 since, for removal of a
spent filter element, the appropriate removal grip can then be
taken off. Alternatively or additionally, a seal and/or removal aid
is provided also on the lower frame 31. In principle, filter
elements can also comprise a circumferential seal or a frame at any
location of their height between the inflow side and the outflow
side.
[0072] Even though an embodiment of the filter element 4 is
indicated in FIG. 3 in an exemplary fashion, the proposed filter
assembly can comprise further variants of filter elements. In
particular, the use of filter media in filter elements as they are
disclosed in WO 2006/012386 is possible. Together with the proposed
housing shapes, in particular the stationary arrangement of
connecting sockets, an advantageous filter assembly results.
[0073] In FIG. 2, the connecting sockets 5, 6 each have a preferred
direction 23', 20' which is pointing away from the housing.
Relative to the longitudinal direction 19, for example, the upper
lateral connecting socket 6 has a preferred direction 20' which
substantially is positioned at a right angle relative to the
longitudinal direction 19. Therefore, one can speak of a deflecting
connecting socket. Air flowing in flow direction 16 through the
filter medium or the filter element 4 is deflected by the
connecting socket laterally by approximately 90.degree..
Conceivable in this context is an operation of the filter element
100 in which air from the environment enters through the connecting
socket 6 into the raw fluid area 26, is deflected, and flows
through the filter medium substantially along the lower orientation
of arrow 16 through the filter element. The preferred directions
20', 23' can be designed, for example, such that the connecting
socket and thus the supply lines are located practically on one
side of the housing. It is, for example, possible that the
preferred directions 20', 23' are positioned at an angle relative
to each other that is smaller than 180.degree.. This means that the
preferred directions and thus the connecting sockets are not
provided co-linear or axial relative to the housing. The preferred
directions 20, 23' are, for example, parallel, i.e., are positioned
at an angle of 0.degree. relative to each other when they are
provided on the same side of the housing.
[0074] FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of a filter assembly 101.
In FIG. 4, a schematic illustration of the filter assembly 101 with
a filter housing 2, 3 and a filter element 4 is illustrated and in
FIG. 4B a schematic section view through a sealing plane 35 of the
filter assembly 101 that is indicated in FIG. 4A. Again, the filter
assembly 101 has a lower housing part 2 and an upper housing part
3. On the lower housing part 2, the two connecting sockets 5, 6 are
arranged which, beginning at the housing openings 7, 8, extend in a
preferred direction 23', 20. The two preferred directions 20', 23
are parallel to each other. This means that an angle of 0.degree.
is provided therebetween, the connecting sockets 5, 6 are thus on
the same side--in FIG. 4A to the right of the housing. The term
substantially parallel is to be understood as also still including
an angle of 10.degree. relative to each other. In this way, a
particularly beneficial connecting situation for supply and
discharge lines of the air is possible. The two preferred
directions 20', 23 are positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction 19.
[0075] In the illustration of FIG. 4A, fastening means, for
example, clasps or locking noses, 61 for connecting the two housing
parts 2, 3 are indicated.
[0076] A filter element 4 is provided in the filter assembly 101
which has an inflow side 28 and an outflow side 27. In the filter
assembly 101 illustrated in FIG. 4, the air to be filtered flows in
inflow direction 20 through the connecting socket 6 into the raw
air area above the inflow side 28 of the filter element 4. The
outflow direction 23 in the lower area of the housing 2 is
identical to the preferred direction of the outflow connecting
socket 5. Both connecting sockets are designed as deflecting
connecting sockets 5, 6.
[0077] Moreover, a preseparation device 41 is coupled to the inlet
connecting socket 6. By means of the preseparator 41 already a
coarse filtration or separation of coarse dirt particles is
enabled. The preseparator 41 is accordingly provided on the inlet
socket 6. As a preseparator 41, for example, centrifugal separators
or cyclone separators are suitable, but also round filter elements,
which are coupled in or on the intake line. The filter assembly 101
comprised of the preseparator 41, the housing 2, 3, as well as the
filter element 4 enables, for example, a particularly efficient
filtration of intake air in motor vehicles. In FIG. 4, the filter
element 4 is provided at the outflow side 27 with a support section
39. A support element 38 engages correspondingly the support
section 39 and extends from the housing bottom part 2 in the
direction toward the outflow side 27. The support element 38
counteracts the forces resulting from pressure difference of the
raw air side 28 relative to the clean air side 27. A deformation of
the filter element 4 is thus avoided. The support element 38
engages, for example, as a sword, the filter element 4. Relative to
the housing 2, 3, the filter element 4 is sealed in a sealing plane
35. For example, this is provided by the circumferential frame 32
which is inserted between the two housing halves 2, 3 and is
clamped there between.
[0078] In FIG. 4B, one can see moreover in a cross-section through
the sealing plane 35 that positioning elements 36 extend inwardly
away from the housing. The circumferential frame 32 of the filter
element 4 has corresponding positioning sections 40 engaged by the
positioning elements 36. By the arrangement of the positioning
elements 36 and of the positioning sections 40, a rotation, for
example, of round filter elements, is prevented. Also, unsuited
filter elements cannot be inserted into the corresponding housing.
By matching the filter element 4, correctly inserted by means of
the positioning elements 36 and positioning sections 40, as well as
by the connecting socket arrangement lateral to the filter housing,
a precise and reliable filtration of air can be achieved. Moreover,
by means of the positioning elements 36 and the sections 40 an
anti-rotation device is provided.
[0079] FIG. 4B shows also how laterally of the housing 2, 3 the
preseparating device 41 can be arranged. In the embodiment as
indicated in FIG. 4, air flows essentially in a U-shape laterally
into the filter housing 2, 3 at the top, flows through the filter
medium in longitudinal direction 16 downwardly, and flows,
purified, via the deflecting connecting socket 5 out of the filter
assembly 101 again.
[0080] FIG. 5 shows a variant of a filter assembly 102. The filter
assembly 102 comprises the two-part housing 2, 3 with an inserted
filter element 4. The connecting socket 6 is configured as an inlet
connecting socket for air to be cleaned and the connecting socket 5
as an outlet connecting socket for purified air. The filter
assembly 102 comprises an inwardly positioned prefiltering device
or a preseparator 41. The preseparator 41 is fastened on the cover
element 3 at the inlet socket 6. It is also possible to integrate
the prefiltering device 41 into the housing part 3. In this way, as
shown in FIG. 5, a particularly compact configuration of the filter
assembly results that enables a prefiltration by means of the
preseparator 41 as well as fine filtration by means of the filter
element 4.
[0081] A guiding device 42 is provided on the inner side at the
inlet connecting socket 6 in order to achieve a particularly
beneficial flow guiding action of the incoming air 20. For example,
a kind of guiding apparatus can be integrated in the connecting
socket 6 that enables a particularly good preseparation action in
the preseparator 41. Moreover, the lower outlet connecting socket 5
is provided with reinforcement ribs 43 in order to achieve
increased stability. In principle, both connecting sockets 5, 6 can
be provided with reinforcement means such as ribs or other means in
order to increase stability.
[0082] It is also conceivable that on both connecting sockets 5, 6
for improvement of the flow guiding action air guiding baffles or
the like are provided. A preseparation action can be achieved
already in that, for example, a round filter element at the inner
side of the housing is coupled to the connecting socket 6. This can
be done by means of a bayonet coupling, a threaded connection, a
sliding seat, clip-on or plug-in. It is also possible to obtain a
preseparation by a retaining screen in the connecting socket 6.
[0083] FIG. 6 shows a further variant of a filter assembly 104.
FIG. 6A shows a schematic section view, FIG. 6B a side view from
the direction of the inlet connecting socket, and FIG. 6C a filter
element that is suitable for use. The filter assembly 104 has again
two housing parts 2, 3, wherein on the housing bottom part 2 a
first connecting socket 5 and on the housing top part 3 a second
connecting socket 6 is provided. The connecting socket 6 serves as
an intake connecting socket for air to be filtered. The connecting
socket 5 serves as an outlet connecting socket for filtered air.
The preferred directions 20', 23 of the connecting sockets 6, 5 are
substantially positioned at a right angle relative to each
other.
[0084] The sealing plane 35 extends at a slant through the housing
2, 3. The resulting housing division and sealing plane 35 do not
coincide in the embodiment according to FIG. 6. In this context,
the sealing plane is slanted relative to the longitudinal direction
19. One can see in FIG. 6C that the filter element 4 has an inflow
side 28 that is slantedly extending relative to the outflow side
27. The filter body 30 is formed such that the substantially planar
inflow side 28 is positioned at an angle 44 relative to the outflow
side 27. A fastening frame or holding frame 32 that seals relative
to the housing extends therefore also at a slant in the housing. In
the view of FIG. 6B laterally in the direction of the inlet
connecting socket 6, one can see that the area defined by laterally
projecting the filter element 4 (see dashed line) overlaps the
cross-section of the connecting socket 6 or the opening 8. Due to
the slanted configuration, in the raw fluid area 26 in the housing,
there is sufficient space on the one hand to provide a prefiltering
device within the housing. On the other hand, due to the inlet and
outflow sides 27, 28 being slantedly positioned relative to each
other, an increased filter volume or greater filter surface area
can be achieved with the filter body 30. As a whole, a particularly
beneficial filtration of air can be achieved by means of the filter
assembly 104 comprised of the filter housing with appropriately
designed rim shape 17, 18 for holding the filter element 4.
[0085] In FIG. 7, a further filter assembly 105 with a specially
shaped filter element is schematically illustrated. In FIG. 7A, a
side view of the filter assembly 105 is illustrated wherein the two
connecting sockets 5, 6 are provided on the same side, as indicated
in FIGS. 4 and 5, for example. The filter element 4, as
schematically indicated in FIG. 7B, has a cutout 45 suitable for
receiving a preseparator 41. FIG. 7A shows the filter assembly 105
without inserted preseparator 41 (compare FIG. 7C). The
circumferential frame 32 which is pointing in the direction toward
the inlet connecting socket 6 is inwardly deformed to be outside of
the projection of the connecting socket 6. As can be seen in FIG.
7C, it is possible in this way that a preseparator that is, for
example, cylindrical can penetrate at least partially into the area
of the filter body 30. Corresponding to the holding frame 32
circumferentially extending about the filter medium 30, the
appropriate collars are correspondingly designed (not illustrated)
on the housing parts 2, 3. In a similar way, a filter element 4,
for example, designed as a main filter element, can be provided
also with a cutout for receiving a secondary filter element
arranged downstream in flow direction. As a whole, a compact and
space-saving filter assembly is provided with the aid of the
housing, the filter elements, and optional secondary filter
elements and preseparators.
[0086] In variants, the secondary filter element 41 can also be
received completely in the volume of the main filter element 4.
[0087] In FIG. 8, a further embodiment of a filter assembly 106 is
illustrated. The two-part housing has a housing bottom part 2 and a
housing top part 3 wherein on the housing bottom part an outlet
connecting socket 5 pointing to the left and on the housing top
part 3 an inlet connecting socket 6 pointing to the right are
provided. The inflow direction of the air is indicated at 20 and
the outflow direction at 23.
[0088] Moreover, on the first housing bottom part 2, a further
connecting socket 49 is provided on a housing opening 48. The
slantedly cut filter element 4 is inserted as schematically
illustrated, for example, in FIG. 6C. Due to the slanted
arrangement, mounting space is available within the upper area of
the filter housing for an extended prefilter. Opposite the slanted
inflow side of the filter element 4, a prefilter assembly 41 with
centrifugal separators is provided. Several centrifugal separators
or cyclone separators can be arranged on a support plate 46. The
cyclone separators which comprise substantially cylindrical tubes
with guiding apparatus, are illustrated at 47. The only
schematically indicated cyclone separators 47 carry out
preseparation so that coarse dust particles can no longer reach an
intermediate space 26' but fall to the right in downward direction
as a result of gravity and the slanted arrangement, as shown in
FIG. 8. Through the opening 48 and the discharge socket 49 the
preseparated dust material 50 can be removed from the flow path.
Accordingly, a particularly compact configuration of a filter
assembly 106 is thus obtained with which a particularly good
filtration is realized with an efficient multi-cyclone block
preseparator 46, 47 and, for example, a compact filter element
4.
[0089] FIG. 9 shows a further filter assembly 107 in which a
two-part filter housing 2, 3 is furnished with a main filter
element 4 and a secondary filter element 51. On one housing part 2
again an inlet connecting socket 6 and an outlet connecting socket
5 are provided that each have a preferred direction 20', 23.
Optionally, in or on the inlet connecting socket 6 a prefiltration
device 41 is provided. Upon passage substantially along the
longitudinal direction 19, the air to be filtered reaches the upper
area of the housing 3 after preseparation in the preseparator 41,
passes through the main filter element 4, and is subsequently
purified further in a secondary filter element 51.
[0090] Between the housing 2, 3 and the main filter element 4, a
sealing surface 35 is provided wherein a suitable sealing action 21
is realized. A second sealing plane 52 results below the main
filter element 4 on a frame of the secondary filter element 51. The
secondary filter element 51 can realize a finer, the same, or even
a more coarse filtration in comparison to the main filter element
4. In principle, for the filter elements 4, 51, the same or similar
filter materials are conceivable. One obtains by means of the
filter assembly 107 insofar a stepped filtration: first a coarse
separation by means of the pre-separator 41 and a main separation
by means of the filter element 4. The secondary filter element 51
can be used as a safety element. For example, should the filter
element 4 not operate properly, be damaged or not installed, the
secondary element 51 can still provide a certain filtering function
so that still sufficiently purified air can be delivered by the
filter assembly 107.
[0091] Both filter elements, the main filter element 4 and the
secondary filter element 51, can be removed for exchange simply by
taking off the housing top part 3 along the longitudinal axis 19.
It is in particular possible that the main and/or the secondary
filter element 4, 51 is detachably or fixedly connected to the
housing cover 3. The element 4, for example, is attached by a
sliding seat, screws, a bayonet closure, clip-on or plug-in.
Accordingly, the dirt or dust that has accumulated upon use on the
inflow side of the filter element 4 cannot also soil the secondary
element 51 because no dust can fall into the lower area upon
removal along the longitudinal direction 19.
[0092] FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of a filter assembly 108
with a secondary filter element 51 and a main filter element 4 with
an upper holding frame 32 which extends along an upper sealing
plane 35. The filter assembly 108 comprises again a two-part
housing 2, 3 with an inlet connecting socket 6 on a housing opening
8 and an outlet connecting socket 5 on a housing opening 7. The
respective inflow direction is identified at 20 and the outflow
direction of purified air at 23.
[0093] The housing bottom part 2 comprises a support element 38
which extends in direction toward the outflow side of the secondary
filter element 51 and supports the latter. For example, a
corresponding engagement for the support element 38 is provided in
the secondary filter element 51. Upon insertion, the secondary
filter element 51 can be supported on the support element 38.
[0094] Moreover, a flexible sealing element 53 at the rim or at the
transition to the main filter element 4 is provided. This results
in a lower sealing plane 52 in order to prevent flow of the fluid
purified by the main filter element 4 laterally past the secondary
filter element. Accordingly, for example, by means of a bottom side
frame on the main filter element 4, a pressing action or
compression of the preferably flexible sealing element 53 is
provided. The sealing element 53 can comprise, for example, a foam
seal which is provided on the housing or also on the secondary or
main filter element 4, 51. By the pressing action, a vibration
damping is achieved. Finally, the main filter element 4 is sealed
on its circumferentially extending frame 32 relative to the inner
housing wall in the sealing plane 35.
[0095] FIG. 11 shows yet another filter assembly 110. The filter
assembly 110 comprises three housing parts 2, 3, and 60. The filter
assembly 110 shown in FIG. 11 is provided with a preseparator 41, a
main filter element 4, and a secondary filter element 51. In the
orientation of FIG. 11, the housing bottom part 2 is provided
laterally to the left. A longitudinal direction 19 of the filter
assembly extends horizontally. The outlet connecting socket 5 is
oriented to the left along the longitudinal direction 19. The inlet
connecting socket 6 is designed as a deflecting connecting socket
so that the incoming air, along the inflow direction 20, is
deflected--in the orientation of FIG. 11 to the left--first in
direction of the longitudinal direction 19 in flow direction. The
inflow connecting socket 6 or the corresponding housing opening 8
is positioned outside of a projection 62 of the main filter element
4 along the longitudinal direction 19. The projection is indicated
in dotted lines at 62.
[0096] Between the first housing bottom part 2 and the cover
element 3, an intermediate housing part 60 is provided which is
furnished with a cyclone separator assembly. The intermediate
housing part 60 enables prefiltration. The dotted line 55 shows the
division of the housing. Moreover, a further third connecting
socket 49 is provided on the housing opening 48 of the housing
bottom part 2. A corresponding housing opening 48 is provided in
the intermediate housing part 60. All connecting sockets of the
filter assembly 110, i.e., the discharge connecting socket 5, the
inflow connecting socket 6, and the discharge connecting socket 49,
are stationary and must not be displaced upon exchange of the
filter elements 4, 51. It is also possible to provide the
intermediate housing part 60 with its own connecting socket that is
not stationary.
[0097] The preseparating device 41 of the intermediate housing part
60 comprises a cyclone separator plate 56 on which guiding
apparatus 63 of centrifugal separators are mounted. Opposite the
cyclone separator plate 56 an immersion pipe plate 57 is provided
with cyclone immersion pipes that engage the cyclone separators.
Through the immersion pipes, pre-purified air 59 can flow into the
intermediate space 58 in the direction toward a main filter element
4. The air to be cleaned flows in inflow direction 20 into the
right cover-like housing part 3, passes through the guiding
apparatus 63, as indicated by arrow 64, and reaches the
intermediate space 58. Subsequently, flow through the main filter
element 4 and the secondary filter element 51 occurs. Finally,
purified air exits from the outflow socket 5 in the outflow
direction 23 out of the filter assembly 110.
[0098] Dust particles are separated due to centrifugal forces in
the centrifugal separators 63 of the preseparator 51 and fall in
the direction of gravity g in downward direction. The separated
dust particles collect in the area of the discharge socket 49 where
the dust 50 can be removed (indicated by the arrow). For this
purpose, for example, a cover or another closure is connected to
the dust discharge socket 49. Moreover, a suction device, not
illustrated here, can be coupled to the discharge socket 49 in
order to remove actively the separated dust particles. The cyclone
separators can be designed as active or passive cyclones. In case
of active cyclone separators energy introduction is provided, for
example, by air suction, a blower, or pneumatic means. It is
possible to provide freely discharging cyclones as well as an
embodiment in which underpressure is applied to the discharge
socket 49. The centrifugal separators or cyclone separators can be
furnished with swirl recovery so that only a minimal pressure loss
occurs as the air to be purified passes through.
[0099] In the filter assembly 110, a sealing plane 52 between the
secondary filter element 51 and the main filter element 4 is
provided which can be realized by means of a flexible seal. A
second sealing plane 35 is provided at the inlet or inflow side 28
of the main filter element 4 wherein a sealing device 54 seals
relative to the housing.
[0100] Moreover, in particular the cyclone separator plate 56 is
fluid-tight and interrupted only by the cyclone elements 63.
Insofar, a precisely stepped filtration of air or of other fluids
is enabled wherein as a result of the selected housing division and
embodiment an easy removal of spent filter elements 4, 51 or
preseparators is possible.
[0101] The herein illustrated embodiments and aspects of the filter
assembly, of the filter element as well as of the housing parts can
be modified. Individual aspects indicated in regard to the
embodiments can also be combined in filter assemblies which are not
explicitly illustrated in the Figures. Known filter materials such
as nonwoven, paper, foam or fabric or screen filters are
conceivable as filter medium. The secondary and main filter
elements can comprise folded, wound or compressed filter media and
are matched to the given operating conditions with regard to their
retention properties. As filter materials fiberglass media,
synthetic fibers, cellulose, nonwovens and the like should be
mentioned. Also, paper or precoat filter media are conceivable.
[0102] The disclosed filter assemblies can be used as filters for
motor vehicles, construction and agricultural machines, trucks,
track vehicles that are operated by internal combustion engines.
Also configurations of the filter assembly and of the filter
housing are conceivable that are configured for stationary large
engines, for generators for energy generation, on ships or in rail
vehicles. Moreover, embodiments and aspects of the filter assembly,
of the filter element as well as of the housing parts can be used
in vehicles with fuel cells.
[0103] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown
and described in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it
will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise
without departing from such principles.
* * * * *